Ahead of the final game of the season against Macclesfield on Saturday afternoon, Seasiders’ captain Daniel Town sat down with whitbytownfc.com to give his thoughts ahead of the final league outing, how the season has transpired, and also giving a message to the fans who have provided their unwavering support this season.

Prior to this weekend's highly anticipated fixture against the Silkmen, a side who have guaranteed second place in the Northern Premier League Premier Division, meaning that their campaign will go on in the play-offs, Rowe revealed that the squad are aiming to finish the season in positive fashion.

Looking forward to the match, Rowe viewed the fixture as a chance to bounce back from last weekend’s disappointment at Bamber Bridge, and he feels that there aren’t many better occasions for that to happen.

“We’re excited for the game, but we need to bounce back from Saturday,” said Rowe. “It was a disappointing result last weekend, but we’re feeling excited for this one.

“It will be a good crowd; the last game of the season so it's always a good occasion and they're going to bring a lot of fans to the game so it will be good, and it will be a good test for us against a good team in the play-offs. So yeah, really excited for this one.”

The 2023/24 campaign promised plenty at one point. On the back of a run to the First Round Proper of the FA Cup for the first time in twenty years, the Blues occupied a play-off spot of their own on New Year’s Day, but a second half slump has seen Town finish in twelfth spot, a position that cannot change whatever the result today.

Reflecting on the season as a whole, Rowe said: “I think there have been highs and lows. I think the highs with the FA Cup run have been really good, some of the best moments from my time at Whitby so that's been good.

“The FA Cup run and getting to the final of the North Riding Senior Cup have been great, and obviously we’ve still got that final to look forward to.

“But I also think we're all disappointed we didn't get into the play-offs. That was our goal at the start of the season to try to get into the play-offs and we fell quite a way short in the end.

“The second half of the season hasn’t gone our way so we’re all a little bit disappointed, but I think if you look back at it in a few weeks’ time it will probably be looked back at as a good season for Whitby Town.”

The team always comes first in captain Rowe’s eyes, but this season has also been one of pride for the Town skipper for a number of reasons.

Assuming he plays on Saturday, Rowe will be making his 200th appearance for the Seasiders, a milestone very few players reach at a non-league club these days, but how does the centre-back reflect on this last year?

“It's been good, yeah. I’ve enjoyed captaining the team again,” he said. “Obviously being in the first round of the FA Cup against Bristol Rovers, that was a proud moment for myself.

“But the big disappointment that sticks out for me is that we couldn't reach the play-offs, but that's just football. There are a lot of good teams in the league and there are only four play-off spots available, along with the one automatic promotion spot.

“I’m a bit disappointed on that front but we've has some good games with some good performances, but I’ve also made some good memories along the way.”

Football is a game that also throws up its fair share of frustrations and setbacks, something Rowe has highlighted himself this season.

The experienced defender picked up on what he feels are some key moments in the season that have ultimately cost the Seasiders.

“I think last Saturday first, losing that two-goal lead, was a low point and then maybe a few of the away games towards in January where we dropped points,” Rowe said.

“It was quite crucial for us to try and win those games to try and keep in the play-off positions. I think away to Worksop and away to Warrington Rylands where we couldn't pick up any points, and I think that was a turning point.

“We were also struggling to get a game due to the weather, which was another low point as we couldn't really build any sort of momentum.”

We always look to remain positive at Whitby Town, so quickly turning ours and Rowe’s attention back to the highlights from this season, Rowe added: “The two Chelmsford games were definite highlights for me. We beat them at our place after drawing against them at their ground.

“Both of those games were really good memories because they're a league above and a good team who we more than matched. I'll definitely remember both of those games for a while.

“Playing at Bristol Rovers, even though we got beat, was a good moment for all of the lads, and then playing Radcliffe away and beating them was a great moment for the club.

“I always enjoy away games, especially when you come away with three points and we did that quite a bit this season. Our away form was pretty good, particularly in the first half of the season.”

The Whitby Town supporters have played a key role in the side’s success this season too, something Rowe was keen to give praise for this week.

He hopes that their loyalty in following the Blues across the country, even on cold Tuesday nights to places like Lancaster, can be rewarded in the cup final and into next season.

“I’ve said it a few times this season but again a massive thank you, like always,” Rowe said.

“Like every season they’re massive for us, especially the volunteers and the fans who come home and away every week. It's much appreciated by all the lads.

“Obviously we wouldn't be a team without them and their support. We can't thank them enough for all the support and all the help they give us.

“Even when we lose or draw, they’re always saying well done on the bus and after games so yeah just a massive thank you and hopefully next season the lads can deliver some good games again."